Differential Nanosensor Circuit for Low-Noise Analyte Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing biosensors face challenges in achieving high sensitivity and specificity for detecting biological agents, often due to background noise and the need for target labeling and amplification.

Innovation Solution

The development of a circuit comprising two semiconductor nanosensors, one functionalized with a detector species and the other not, which outputs a differential electrical property when exposed to a sample containing an analyte, enhancing sensitivity and reducing background noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If optical biosensors are used for sensitive detection, then detection sensitivity is improved, but instrumentation footprint becomes large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidinstrumentation footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces optical detection systems with electrical field-based nanosensor systems. The nanosensors convert chemical activity directly into electrical signals, eliminating the need for large optical instrumentation while maintaining detection sensitivity through electrical property measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from optical signals to electrical properties (current, conductance, voltage). This parameter transformation enables compact instrumentation while preserving sensitivity, as electrical measurements can be performed with miniaturized electronic circuits rather than bulky optical equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If target labeling and amplification are used in biosensors, then detection sensitivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the need for target labeling and amplification steps by using nanosensors that directly detect analytes through their electrical properties. The detector species functionalized on nanosensors enable direct recognition and signal transduction without requiring additional labeling or amplification components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The nanosensor system performs self-detection through the inherent electrical properties of the detector species-analyte interaction. The binding event directly modulates the electrical properties of the nanosensor, eliminating the need for external labeling or amplification mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If differential measurement with gate-modulated reference nanosensor is used, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but circuit complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal-to-noise ratioVSAvoidcircuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gate-modulated reference nanosensor provides a feedback mechanism that dynamically compensates for background noise and drift. The gate voltage modulation creates a reference signal that is subtracted from the measurement signal, actively canceling out common-mode noise while preserving the analyte detection signal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit uses asymmetric configuration where one nanosensor is functionalized with detector species while the other is not, creating a differential measurement system. This asymmetry enables the circuit to distinguish between specific analyte binding signals and non-specific background noise through comparative measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration allows for the detection of lower analyte concentrations with improved signal-to-noise ratio, enhancing the diagnostic utility of biosensors in various fields.

Implementation Method 1

semiconductor devices, or similar small-scale electrical devices, as sensitive transducers to convert chemical activity of interest into corresponding electrical signals representative of the chemical activity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical to electrical transduction:

Implementation Method 2

the gate is configured to receive a voltage and alter at least one electrical property of the second semiconductor nanosensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical modulation:

Data Source

PatentUS12222350B1Differential sensor measurement methods and structures

Publication Date: 2025.02.11 FEMTODX

AI summary

Systems and methods for detection of biological agents are generally described. Certain embodiments relate to circuits comprising a first semiconductor nanosensor and a second semiconductor nanosensor in electrical communication with the first semiconductor nanosensor. The circuit can be configured to output a differential electrical property between the first semiconductor nanosensor and the second semiconductor nanosensor when exposed to a sample comprising an analyte. In certain instances, the first semiconductor nanosensor is functionalized with a detector species, and the second semiconductor nanosensor is not functionalized with the detector species. In some cases, the first semiconductor nanosensor is functionalized with a detector species, and the second semiconductor nanosensor is associated with a gate.